New Shows on Circuit with Ms Smart Page 2

Another good way to find out what is happening in Durban is to become a member of Durban Arts and get the DARTS magazine which she produces you can pick it up at the ArtStand at Essenwood Craft Market on a Saturday morning or become a member of Durban Arts and get it on a regular basis. Membership is R62.70 a year (R34.20 students and pensioners)

The Road to Mecca runs until June 17. You can book through Computicket or go online to Strictlytickets@webmail.co.za

The third highlight on the local theatre scene is a political campaign trail …. Well, one’s not actually sure how seriously you have to take this when Pieter-Dirk Uys is behind it all, but Evita for President is pulling in the audiences at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, running until June 10.

I talked earlier about using humour to combat troubles and strife and this is how Pieter-Dirk opens his show – urging his audiences to laugh at all the things that are frightening us to death – crime, corruption, political shenanigans – for only through this will we survive.

Encouraging us to see the comedy in situations that are bizarre – and he reels off a list that had us all in stitches. Paving the way for the wondrous Evita herself is a range of characters, all with much to say about South Africa’s current situation.

Back come the familiar faces of Pik Botha – he of the hunched shoulders and raised heels – as well as Noelle “Wake me when

it’s over” Fine and Adriaan Vlok. This time round we get to meet Kader Asmal; Aziz Pahad, an Indian woman with an impeccable English accent who has given up the pleasures of London to return to South Africa and a Muslim woman in Cape Town who runs a junk shop.

This time round, he has a fellow character in the shape of a puppet representing Thabo Mbeki and we even get to see Evita trying her hand at a bit of ventriloquism! Don’t miss Evita for President. With his passionate love for South Africa and its peoples, Pieter Dirk Uys reminds us that we can survive despite the furore over the street namings, the muggings and the recent horrifying restaurant attacks. He will make you believe in your country again – and, of course, he – or she, I should say – wants you to vote for her as the next President!

Rhumbelow Theatre is hosting Evita’s sister Bambi Kellerman as well as two other excellent productions featuring Godfrey Johnson until June 10. Other supper theatre productions on the circuit at the moment are chicks Rock at Heritage Theatre

in Hillcrest, The British Invasion at the Dockyard Theatre in Musgrave Centre and The Buddy Holly Story has just opened at the Barnyard Theatre at Gateway.

Don’t forget, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is now into its winter symphony season with concerts every Thursday at the City Hall at 7.30 with a pre- concert lecture in the Royal Hotel at 6.15 beforehand. The KZNPO will present its annual outdoor extravaganza, The Starlight Pop Opera at Durban Country Club on Sunday

Chalo Cinema opens at the Playhouse on Saturday – always a beautifully costumed Indian dance drama. On Sunday from 10 o’clock, Durban’s Fun World offers a Special Day for the whole family – this is a worthy cause in aid of the Durban Children’s Society, Childline Family Centre.